Complicated grief, depressive symptoms, and suicidial ideation among the bereaved whose family member died at palliative care units

ABSTRACT

<b>Objectives</b> The aim of this study is to explore prevalence and determinants of complicated grief, depressive symptoms, and suicide ideation among the relatives whose family members died in palliative care units. <b>Methods</b> A multicenter questionnaire survey was conducted on a sample of bereaved family members of cancer patients who were admitted to palliative care units in Japan. Participants completed self-report questionnaire including the Center for Epidemiologic Study Depression Scale (CES-D), Inventory of Traumatic Grief (ITG), the item concerning suicide ideation, Care Evaluation Scale (CES), and Good Death Inventory (GDI). <b>Results</b> Of the 653 questionnaires sent to bereaved family members, 451 responses were analyzed (response rate 67%). The results showed 10 (2.3%) respondents with complicated grief and 153 (43.8%) with depressive symptoms. Suicide ideation was appeared among 52 (11.9%) respondents. Multiple regression analysis revealed that ITG was signicicantly associated with both CES and GDI. Patiens' age at death and pre-bereavement health contributed to the suicide ideation of the bereaved family members. <b>Conclusion</b> The prevalence of complicated grief and depressive symptoms among the relatives whose family members died in palliative care units were 2.3% and 43.8%, respectively. The rates of suicide ideation was 11.9% of respondents. The results suggested that the evaluations about structure and process of palliative care, and quality of death contribute to better adjustment of the bereaved.